US immigration. I need a lot of answers.

[Yuaoin]

Basically, here's the gist of it.
I'm seventeen years old, a British Citizen, and haven't been in education for three years due to my health. I've wanted to live in America since I was very young, and I long even more now that I am older, to fulfill this dream of mine. I'm studying at home for an exam called the GED, which is known in the USA as the equivalent to a US High School Diploma.
My family is poor and we are on benefits, and so I would get probably get out a massive loan, as I'm not going to bet on a scholarship or something. If all goes well, I get accepted into university, and try to get a Bachelor's Degree in Japanese. I don't mind what job I get, so long as it's using my skills in Japanese, and is in the US. Then it would be the matter of getting the visa for my studies.

But the problem is after that. I have many friends, an aunt apparently in the US or something along those lines, and also someone whom I love dearly, in America.
I've heard mentions of various types of visas and have also looked on the US Embassy website many, many times. Here are some questions.

1. If I am successful with my degree in Japanese, where would be a good idea to go from there?
2. If I should look for work after completing my studies, where should I start?
3. Is it the chance to get into America permanently so small that it would be pointless to try? (Surely I hope not!)
4. Marrying a US Citizen (I am homosexual) - If I were ever to take this option, how long would it take for me to be able to live in the US? If we were to divorce, what would happen?

If you think there is anything I should know, or have anymore questions to ask, please go ahead and tell me.

[ElenaW]

1. Majoring in Japanese makes your career field pretty narrow. Realistically, people with language degrees get a job teaching the language.
2. Depends where in America you want to live, it's huge! But I would get my teaching credential if I were you.
3. It's not pointless but difficult.
4. If you were to get married and then apply to stay through marriage it would take about 6-8 months to get the visa. Then 2 years on the CR-1 after which you can change status into a permanent resident. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with what happens if you were to get divorced. I imagine if you have permanent residency, you would be fine to stay.

[Marco 72]

Basically, here's the gist of it.
I'm seventeen years old, a British Citizen, and haven't been in education for three years due to my health. I've wanted to live in America since I was very young, and I long even more now that I am older, to fulfill this dream of mine. I'm studying at home for an exam called the GED, which is known in the USA as the equivalent to a US High School Diploma.

Why are you studying for the GED instead of a UK equivalent qualification? In the US, the GED is not very well respected - typically, it is taken by people in prison, or in the army.

My family is poor and we are on benefits, and so I would get probably get out a massive loan, as I'm not going to bet on a scholarship or something. If all goes well, I get accepted into university, and try to get a Bachelor's Degree in Japanese. I don't mind what job I get, so long as it's using my skills in Japanese, and is in the US. Then it would be the matter of getting the visa for my studies.

Who do you think is going to give you this "massive loan"? Studying the US can be very, very expensive, in addition to living expenses.

1. If I am successful with my degree in Japanese, where would be a good idea to go from there?

Pretty much the only thing you can do then is teach Japanese - and you won't even be a native speaker.

3. Is it the chance to get into America permanently so small that it would be pointless to try? (Surely I hope not!)

With a degree in Japanese, it's very small indeed. You should look at different fields (e.g. medicine, engineering).

4. Marrying a US Citizen (I am homosexual) - If I were ever to take this option, how long would it take for me to be able to live in the US? If we were to divorce, what would happen?

Unfortunately, the US government does not recognise same-sex marriages.

[ElenaW]

Unfortunately, the US government does not recognise same-gender marriages.

ooops! Didn't see the homosexual bit. Yes sorry OP unfortunately the US is incredibly closed minded when it comes to gay people. It's ridiculous!

[Yuaoin]

Thank you for replying, everyone.

1. I don't like the UK education system. To the point where I wouldn't dare enter it again. It's just something I wouldn't do.

2. I've done a lot of research. There are international student loans, of course the loan I'm thinking of is so large it's a little terrifying, but there is still a possibility of a scholarship or grant based on need, and I'm not exactly dumb, so.

3. Teaching Japanese, Translating, Working for Businesses who have relations with Japan, you can do those jobs, right? I don't mind doing anything, though.

4. I've wanted to do Japanese my entire life. However, Medicine wouldn't be too bad. I dislike Math heavily, but unfortunately apart from English, it's the top subject I'm good at. What sort of careers in Medicine would be a good idea to look at, as a good way to enter the US? Pharmaceutical sounds interesting, or a psychiatrist. I'm not sure about a doctor, though.

5. I see. I've heard in some states recognise it, even though it's a small amount in comparison to the whole of the US. So it would be absolutely impossible to enter the US if I married a woman?

6. Elena, I am fine with living pretty much anywhere in the US.

[Marco 72]

1. I don't like the UK education system. To the point where I wouldn't dare enter it again. It's just something I wouldn't do.

You'd better reconsider this if you want any chance of being accepted at a decent university, or a find a good job. In the US, the GED has a very bad reputation indeed. If you have it, many people assume that you dropped out of high school, did time in prison, or had mental problems. Also, it's perceived to be easy to get (with some justification: the father of one of my wife's friends has a GED, and he can barely speak English).

2. I've done a lot of research. There are international student loans, of course the loan I'm thinking of is so large it's a little terrifying, but there is still a possibility of a scholarship or grant based on need, and I'm not exactly dumb, so.

Not much chance of getting a scholarship with a GED... and even with good A levels, I've never heard of anyone from the UK who was able to fund a whole undergraduate degree in the US with a scholarship or loan. For master's degrees yes, it's quite common.

3. Teaching Japanese, Translating, Working for Businesses who have relations with Japan, you can do those jobs, right?

But why would they employ you when they can easily get a native speaker from Japan?

4. I've wanted to do Japanese my entire life. However, Medicine wouldn't be too bad. I dislike Math heavily, but unfortunately apart from English, it's the top subject I'm good at. What sort of careers in Medicine would be a good idea to look at, as a good way to enter the US? Pharmaceutical sounds interesting, or a psychiatrist. I'm not sure about a doctor, though.

If you are good at maths, that's an option. A degree in applied mathematics opens up a lot of employment possibilities. After your degree (in the UK) you could apply to do a master's or PhD in the US (not necessarily in maths), and then look for a job afterwards. You can study Japanese in your spare time.

5. I see. I've heard in some states recognise it, even though it's a small amount in comparison to the whole of the US. So it would be absolutely impossible to enter the US if I married a woman?

Unfortunately it doesn't matter if some states recognise it. The federal government does not, and immigration is a matter for the federal government, not the states. According to the Defense of Marriage Act (1996) the US government recognises marriage only as the legal union between a man and a woman.

By the way, have you thought of having your partner join you in the UK?

[Yuaoin]

Marco, thank you for the quick reply again, it's much appreciated.

This may sound foolish, but I'm not too concerned with how much money I am going to earn or anything as of this moment in time, I'm just very concerned over how I'm going to get a good chance to enter and stay in the United States.
And I did drop out of high school, when I was fourteen, due to my health. I had tutors from the government later on until I was sixteen, so technically I guess I'd be considered home-schooled, as that's pretty much what happened. If I have to consider going back into the English education system, although I don't like it, if it will make things easier/faster in comparison to another route, I will do so.

I've look at many, many universities. Of course, now that I've been told doing Japanese isn't a good idea (although it pains me to hear so) I'll have to take another look.

I am very good at maths. It's something that for me, is easy to learn and I've always had high grades in that particular subject, as well as English and Science. I'm not entirely sure what sort of careers can be made out of math however, apart from say, a mathematician or a math teacher. I don't like maths, but as I've said before, I'd do pretty much anything to get into the US.

I've thought about it. She and I as of right now, are not in a relationship. This is something that will take time and I am not thinking about rushing it, of course. I highly doubt she'd come to England, as she's in university pursuing her wish to have a career in Pharmaceuticals at the moment.

[Yuaoin]

Well, I've thought about it, and discussed various ideas and options with my family. I've been interested in nursing for a rather long period of time, so I think I might try that. It would either be midwifery or nursing children.

I don't know whether or not this is a good career to go for in terms of entry into the US, but as far as I know careers in medicine in general are usually wanted quite a bit? Correct and forgive me if I'm wrong.

[Marco 72]

I don't know about moving to the US with a nursing degree - I understand that the category is currently backlogged, but that may not be the case when you finish your studies.

About maths, there's more to it than teaching. Mathematics is used in the medical, pharmaceutical, oil, banking industries, etc. I studied it myself and now work in the financial sector. See here, for example.

I've also had an interest in languages, but studied them on my own.

[Yuaoin]

Well I don't know.

I'm kind of curious about what would take the least amount of time, not including the visa application process.

There's a high demand for nurses all over the world, especially in America, where there is a massive shortage in registered nurses.
I've done some research and yet I'm still not entirely sure what sort of programs/qualifications I'd study for in order to qualify to be a (general) Registered Nurse in the US. I understand that I'd need at least a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, but the closest university to me in the UK only does specialised fields for Bachelor's Degrees of a period of three years. I have yet to see a 'general' Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

As for mathematics, I'm kind of interested in being an Economist.

If I had the choice though, I'd rather choose a career I liked at least a decent amount (as I am going to be doing it for quite some time after all) where I could get into the US on a Bachelor's Degree (and perhaps pursue further education later on in the US) than having to get a master's degree or PhD in the UK.

I'm just trying to see my options, it's all a bit confusing and complex to me. Sorry if I seem immature or picky, I'm trying to figure everything out so I can get started on my path in life, and I don't really have much of a solid idea in my head as of right now.

[Marco 72]

There may be a demand for nurses in the US, but that doesn't mean it will be easy to immigrate there as a nurse. The main problems:

1. Your UK qualifications won't be recognised in the US, so you'd have to take additional exams to be able to work there. These tests are designed by US medical professionals, who have an interest in excluding as many people as possible.

2. Even if you did qualify, you would at best be able to move to the US on an H1B work visa. The other main route (inter company transfer) would not apply, since nurses don't usually work for multinationals.

3. Currently, the category under which most nurses fall (EB3) is backlogged, which means that even if you did manage to get a work visa right now, you wouldn't be able to get a green card in time, and would have to leave the US when your work visa expires. This could change in a few years, but there are no guarantees.

If on the other hand you work for a multinational company (say, as a research chemist - just an example), then you may get a chance to apply for a transfer to a US office. If that happens, the company would get an L1 visa and, as part of the deal, many times it will also petition for a green card for you. So my advice would be to study either applied maths, or physics, chemistry, engineering, etc.

If you like applications to finance, mathematics is always useful. However, keep in mind that all those US banks which took bailout money are now prohibited from taking in H1B workers - although this may change in a few years' time.

Also, if you do well in your undergraduate degree, a PhD in an applied subject could be the best way of moving to the US. In the UK it doesn't take that long to get a PhD.

[Marco 72]

By the way, doctors face similar problems to nurses - however, unlike nurses, they can also work as medical researchers for hospitals or pharmaceutical companies. Years ago, I knew an Italian doctor with an impressive CV who worked as a researcher at a top US medical institution. However, she had twice failed the test to be recognised as an MD in the US.

[Yuaoin]

I didn't know about the backlogged thing, but I did know about needing extra examinations to be recognised as a nurse in the US.

What sort of careers would we be looking at with engineering? My grandfather was an engineer for a local company for twenty years, but I don't know much about what he did.

Working for a multinational company sounds fine, but do you think there would be a large/decent chance to be able to opt to work in a US office? It would really be upsetting if after all of that work, the chance is either tiny or I wouldn't get that chance at all. Plus how many years would I have to work to be able to get that chance? I'd like to be able to move to the US by my mid-late twenties, if possible. (Again, sorry if I'm picky.)

I'll have to look into different careers that would be best to go to the US with, or something. If I had the option I'd prefer something other than research, but I don't know all that much about what it entails, to be honest.

[Yuaoin]

Sorry for posting again.

If I weren't to go into research or engineering, what industry/careers would be good to get into, in order to give me a relatively good chance of getting a visa for America?

In terms of school subjects, I'm interested in Music, English, Art, History, Japanese. I'm very good at English, and although I don't play a classical instrument, I very much enjoy music. Art is something I wouldn't consider myself to be very good at, but I have a massive interest in it. And as for History, I'm also extremely interested in this subject, particularly in American, Russian and Japanese history.

Would it be possible to do a career related to these subjects and still have a good chance of getting a visa? For instance, a historian, or an archaeologist, etc.

[Marco 72]

If you study an "artsy" type of subject, pretty much your only chance is to get a PhD in that subject and look for an academic job in the US. It won't be easy, but it's a theoretical possibility.

With a scientific subject, in addition to the academic route (and science faculties are better funded and in a better position to hire people than arts faculties) you can work for companies that can help you move to the US. With a degree in applied maths you can work for a bank, for a pharmaceutical company, for the software industry, etc. Regarding your earlier question, in order to qualify for a company transfer visa (L1) you need to have worked for that company for at least one year.

[Yuaoin]

I see, so art is out.

I think I'd prefer math to science. Software wouldn't be too bad... Would a career related to games be a decent idea? I'm not really interested in general computer software, but I've always had lots of ideas for games development.

Banks... that's not a bad idea, but at the same time, hmm... I'm not sure if I'd want to work for people like that. (It's hard to explain, a mixture of my own family's experience with banks and the way banks are in the UK.) But again, this depends. I've mentioned before an economist wouldn't be a bad career, it seems like it would be at least somewhat interesting. Is it a good idea, though?

Regarding working for a pharmaceutical company, do you mean research or does this include being a pharmacist? I wouldn't mind being a pharmacist, actually.

Thank you for all of the information! I really appreciate it. This information will help me choose my path in life, so that's why there are so many questions, sorry about that.

[Marco 72]

You need to think: what kind of employee would a multi-national company want to transfer to the US, with all the expense and bureaucracy that it involves? Generally speaking, there are two types of workers that companies sponsor for this type of transfer: 1) those in managerial positions and 2) those with specialist skills.

In the first category, there are many people who joined big organizations as graduate trainees straight out of university, then rose to managerial positions. In the second category there are people with specialised knowledge in their field - typically they will have at least a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, or a bachelor's degree and years of work experience.

Pharmacist isn't going to work. My suggestion is to study for a maths degree and focus on applied mathematics, including programming and industrial applications. Afterwards, do an extra year specialising in an applied field, and then either go for a PhD or look for a job in the industry. Not many people are good at maths - if you have a competitive advantage, it makes sense to explot it.

[Yuaoin]

So, math, okay. My friend informed me that working in computer programming or the like basically means you need to beat everyone else with your skills and work to the top. I don't really think I have confidence in myself to do that, unfortunately. Well, perhaps unless I really liked my job, which considering it's the exact opposite of what I actually want to do, I'm a little doubtful on that one.

Is there some kind of advisor one can go to regarding immigration/the best routes to take, and information about careers/etc? Sorry if I'm not making much sense, I'm quite frustrated with how stuck I am at the moment. I'm not really able to get any further thinking on my own about this.

Another question- is it also possible to go the visa process through some kind of agency? Though I imagine this would be dependant on what kind of career one would have the qualifications for.

[Marco 72]

So, math, okay. My friend informed me that working in computer programming or the like basically means you need to beat everyone else with your skills and work to the top. I don't really think I have confidence in myself to do that, unfortunately. Well, perhaps unless I really liked my job, which considering it's the exact opposite of what I actually want to do, I'm a little doubtful on that one.

Again generally speaking, there are two (non mutually exlusive) ways people can "rise to the top" in their profession. One is to go up the ranks by managing bigger and bigger groups of people. The other is to accumulate knowledge which can be useful to their employers and colleagues. If you lack the drive and confidence to do the former, but you are smart, you can always do the latter.

Alternatively, you could do what you want to do and choose the academic route. If you become a well known academic expert on Japanese language or literature, that's also something which can be used to emigrate to the US. However, for that you'd probably have to take your education to a PhD level and become a lecturer. Also, what you enjoy doing now is not necessarily what you will enjoy 10 or 15 years from now. It could be that by the time you are 35 you'll be bored to death with Japanese stuff and want to do something different. If you get to that stage with mathematics you can at least find a job that pays well outside academia.

Is there some kind of advisor one can go to regarding immigration/the best routes to take, and information about careers/etc? Sorry if I'm not making much sense, I'm quite frustrated with how stuck I am at the moment. I'm not really able to get any further thinking on my own about this.

Every university has career advisers. And for immigration questions, you can always ask here, or in this other forum.

Another question- is it also possible to go the visa process through some kind of agency? Though I imagine this would be dependant on what kind of career one would have the qualifications for.

No, unless you are applying for a J1 (temporary) visa with something like BUNAC.

[Yuaoin]

I would probably do the latter. I have an anxiety disorder which complicates things sometimes, and I am better working on my own than with a large group of people.

I've enjoyed Japanese ever since I was eleven years old, and have watched and read about Japanese things everyday or almost everyday, since then. It's a major part of my life, and I'd love to devote myself to it. However, it's very difficult to learn Japanese and such in the UK, as in England there isn't much of a broad range in educational subjects, especially languages. From what I've searched, anyway.
Call me naive, but I basically see a lecturer (as in a university lecturer) as pretty much a teacher. I'm probably not correct on that, though..

I'm the sort of person who would much rather dedicate myself to something I have interest in, than something I do not. I do not care about money, as I've always lived in a poor family and I do not see much need for it apart from to keep me live and maybe a little more than the necessities, but I don't really think about the salary, it's the job itself that matters.

That is why I am trying to figure out a route of some sort, that I will have interest in, and will have a good chance to immigrate. I'd rather still live my life somewhat satisfied at the very least, rather than be miserable. If that makes sense. But there's the option of course, of going back to university after a few years of my job and obtaining permanent resident status in America. It'd be rather expensive, though.

Thank you for the answers! You've been massively helpful. I cannot thank you enough.

[Marco 72]

I would probably do the latter. I have an anxiety disorder which complicates things sometimes, and I am better working on my own than with a large group of people.

Indeed, in that case you can always choose the "specialised knowledge" route rather than the management route. That's what I (and a lot of former mathematicians) do.

I've enjoyed Japanese ever since I was eleven years old, and have watched and read about Japanese things everyday or almost everyday, since then. It's a major part of my life, and I'd love to devote myself to it. However, it's very difficult to learn Japanese and such in the UK, as in England there isn't much of a broad range in educational subjects, especially languages. From what I've searched, anyway.

So what do you plan to do then, if you can't do it in the UK?

Call me naive, but I basically see a lecturer (as in a university lecturer) as pretty much a teacher. I'm probably not correct on that, though..

A university lecturer is a researcher who also has to do some teaching.

I'm the sort of person who would much rather dedicate myself to something I have interest in, than something I do not. I do not care about money, as I've always lived in a poor family and I do not see much need for it apart from to keep me live and maybe a little more than the necessities, but I don't really think about the salary, it's the job itself that matters.

If you want to emigrate to the US, the kind of job you need to have is one that brings in a lot of money. Pretty much the only people who manage to get work visas for the US are highly skilled ones with good salaries. That's the group you need to join if you want to move there.

That is why I am trying to figure out a route of some sort, that I will have interest in, and will have a good chance to immigrate.

Unfortunately, the route you are looking for does not exist. If you become a kind of world-renowned expert on Japanese, and an American university offers you a job, that's great - but the chances of it happening are very low indeed, for many reasons (difficulty in getting a good degree in Japanese in the UK, getting a place for a PhD, finishing the PhD, becoming a world-class expert, and finding a Japanese department in a US university that wants to hire you as a lecturer).

[us-expat]

[quote="Marco 72"]

Why are you studying for the GED instead of a UK equivalent qualification? In the US, the GED is not very well respected - typically, it is taken by people in prison, or in the army.

Marco, this is competely untrue. Although the GED is offered to people in prison, a high School diploma program can also be offered. Many people in the army have graduated High School before they join up. A GED is an equal level qualification to a High School diploma and, provided that you get good grades on it and your SAT exams, is accepted by nearly 90% of colleges and universities in America. It is not looked down on, for people who have to leave school early for a number of reasons, the GED is there to give them a quick validation that they have all the same knowledge and information as those who do graduate.

[us-expat]

[quote="Marco 72"]

Not much chance of getting a scholarship with a GED... and even with good A levels, I've never heard of anyone from the UK who was able to fund a whole undergraduate degree in the US with a scholarship or loan. For master's degrees yes, it's quite common.
[/quote]

Another untruth, Marco, you have been ill-informed and sadly, seem to only have met very few people with a GED. For me, getting my GED was not ''easy''. The coursework was as hard as it would have been in High School, although it did go much faster. I did however pass at the very top of my class with all A*'s which is uncommon for the GED as only C's are necessary to pass and many people who get them are only looking to pass as it' a usual requirement for most jobs, they are not looking to excel. And I have not only been offered one, but three scholarships, both in the US, and the UK.

Don't give up, you could get a student visa to go to the US, and while studying, if you can get long term employment this can help you n your way to getting a work visa and a green card. Two of my friends in the US were from Britain and South Africa. Neither had fantastic grades, and neither were doctors, but both managed to get to the US by starting on a student visa. Also, if you go somewhere coastal, either East or West coast, you are more likely to not only find places that teach Japanese, but need fluent speakers. Many businesses on the West coast trade with Japan and translators, teachers etc are in demand. It is a very narrow field yes, but not impossible. As for scholarships, they are a bit harder to find in this current economy. I would check into grants and student loans as further help to fund your studies.

Do what you love, or you'll regret it later.

[Marco 72]

Not much chance of getting a scholarship with a GED... and even with good A levels, I've never heard of anyone from the UK who was able to fund a whole undergraduate degree in the US with a scholarship or loan. For master's degrees yes, it's quite common.

Another untruth, Marco, you have been ill-informed and sadly, seem to only have met very few people with a GED. For me, getting my GED was not ''easy''.

Do you know of any scholarships that would fund a penniless foreigner through a whole US undergraduate degree (which can cost around $20,000-$30,000 a year in fees alone)? If so, please post the details. I'm sure the OP would be very interested.

Don't give up, you could get a student visa to go to the US,

Getting a visa is the easy part. The hard part is being offered a place and finding the money.

and while studying, if you can get long term employment this can help you n your way to getting a work visa and a green card.

You cannot get "long term employment" while on a student visa. Students on F1 visas can work a maximum of 20 hours a week, and only on campus jobs.

Also, if you go somewhere coastal, either East or West coast, you are more likely to not only find places that teach Japanese, but need fluent speakers. Many businesses on the West coast trade with Japan and translators, teachers etc are in demand.

Being in demand doesn't make it easy to get a visa (just ask teachers or nurses). How many of these businesses actually employ translators on a full time basis?